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The crucial role of breastfeeding: supporting mothers with anxiety and depression
Mothers who want to breastfeed and are
supported to do so are at lower risk for
perinatal mental health problems Breastfeeding can
improve mother baby interactions and attachment
Breastfeeding promotes
security in the baby, and the close physical
contact is comforting to
both mother and child
Oxytocin and prolactin induce a
sense of peace and promote healthy attachments and
positive mood Skilled help and
support can avoid breastfeeding difficulties and
resolve them quickly
Oxytocin release associated with breastfeeding
reduces cortisol levels resulting in
lower levels of stress
Positive attachment can help mothers to overcome issues
around past traumas and
difficult relationships
Most medications are safe to take whilst
breastfeeding
@LCGB1994, © LCGB
The evidence for breastfeeding in ensuring optimal infant and maternal health is significant, as stated by the Lancet breastfeeding series 2016 and the World Health Organisation and UK Department of Health Guidelines.
Breastfeeding and maternal mental health
More than 1 in 10 mothers are likely to experience perinatal mental health problems.
Why is Breastfeeding important? Breastfeeding has been shown to have a
positive effect on the mental wellbeing of both mother and baby when breastfeeding is going well. 1
Breastfeeding is a buffer, protective for a baby whose mother is experiencing perinatal mental health problems.
Depression has an inflammatory effect on the body; good breastfeeding decreases inflammation.
Risk factors for depression: stress, pain, fatigue and sleep deprivation, inflammatory response, history of trauma, history of depression or PTSD. When breastfeeding is going well it down-regulates these responses. 2
How do Breastfeeding hormones help? Breastfeeding releases oxytocin which opposes cortisol,
lowering the stress response, and reducing blood pressure and anxiety.
Prolactin aids return to sleep and mothering instincts.
Impact of breastfeeding on the baby: infant mental health An effective oxytocin system has long term positive
consequences on self-regulation and health.
Oxytocin release is a conditioned response and the consequent effects can be triggered, just by the sight, voice or smell of the mother. 3
Oxytocin aids the development of secure attachment
Caution: Ceasing breastfeeding when a mother wishes to continue can put her at risk for perinatal mental health problems. It may lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure which can then aggravate self-criticism and depression. 4
Breastfeeding and medication.
Most medications are safe to take whilst breastfeeding.
Appropriate prescribing is essential. Sources of information on
medications: BfN: Drugs in Breastmilk Service, Medsmilk, Lactmed,
UK Drugs in Lactation Advisory Service.
Support the breastfeeding dyad: mother and baby
Understanding normal newborn behaviour and appropriate expectations.
Working through any difficulties allows the mum to gain confidence in her choices and allows her a sense of achievement and enjoyment in feeding her child.
Stopping breastfeeding is not a solution to the intense experience of caring for a new baby.
What support can you offer?
Signpost and refer to the local infant feeding team services,
specialist breastfeeding services, International Board
Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) and recognized
breastfeeding counsellors for evidenced based support and
information.
Don’t blame breastfeeding for maternal mental health issues, or value today over the long-term impact on the mother’s well-being.
Encourage the mother to focus on what is going well with the breastfeeding relationship and build on it.
Written for LCGB by:
Heidi Reiner Nowalany, IBCLC Zoe Faulkner, IBCLC Bethany Chapman, Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist
Contact: [email protected]
www.LCGB.org
References: (1),(2) Kendall Tackett, K. (2007). A new paradigm for depression in new mothers: the central role of inflammation and how breastfeeding and anti-inflammatory treatments protect maternal mental health. International Breastfeeding Journal. (3) Borra, C., Iacovou, M., Sevilla, A., (2014). New Evidence on Breastfeeding and Postpartum Depression: The Importance of Understanding Women’s Intentions. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 897-907. U n s Mo erg, K., Prime, D. (2013). Oxytocin effects in mothers and infants during breastfeeding. Infant, 201-206.
Photo: Paul Carter WDIP.co.uk
Photo: Paul Carter WDIP.co.uk